At a crosswalk with flashing lights, what should drivers do?

When approaching a crosswalk with flashing lights, the correct action for drivers is to look for pedestrians and be prepared to stop. Flashing lights typically indicate that there may be pedestrians in or near the crosswalk, signaling that drivers need to yield to them. This precaution is crucial for pedestrian safety, as it shows that individuals may be crossing the street or are about to enter the crosswalk.

Being attentive and ready to stop allows drivers to react appropriately, ensuring that pedestrians can cross safely. This is not only a matter of courtesy but also a legal obligation, as failure to yield to pedestrians at designated crosswalks can lead to accidents and violations of traffic laws.

In contrast, ignoring the lights could pose a serious risk to pedestrian safety. Speeding through the crosswalk disregards the flashing lights' intended warning and endangers those crossing. Waiting for the lights to stop flashing instead of being proactive in ensuring that the crosswalk is clear can also lead to potential accidents, as conditions may change rapidly. Hence, the best practice is to actively watch for pedestrians and be prepared to stop when approaching a crosswalk with flashing lights.